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Know About Metastatic Cancer

Metastatic Cancer
discussions and mentions are doing rounds in social media now-a-days after
reported diagnosis of the same in one of the former leading bollwood actress,
Sonali Bendre. Dr. R K Choudhary, Consultant – Medical Oncology and Dr.
Puneet Gupta, Director – Oncology
and Senior Consultant –
Medical Oncology, in our
special series- Metro Doctor Speak, answers some important questions on
Metastatic Cancer.

What is Metastatic
Cancer?

Generally cancer
has the tendency to get spread from its initial position to other parts of the
body. The original cancer is known as primary tumor, whereas the cancer in
other parts of the body is known as metastases. The cancer cells presents in
metastatic cancer are same as of primary cancer. For example: when the colon
cancer spread to other part of the body such as liver, the cancer cells present
in the liver are colon cancer cells. It is known as metastatic colon cancer and
not as liver cancer.

Metastatic Cancer
is also known as:Metastatic tumor, tumors or diseaseMetastatic (one cancerous tumor)Metastases (more than one cancerous tumor)Advanced cancer

When Metastatic
cancer develops?

Mostly all the
cancers have the tendency to spread to other parts of the body. Generally the
term metastatic cancer is only used to define the solid tumors which have
spread to other parts of the body. There are certain cancers such as leukemia,
lymphoma and multiple myeloma are considered as widespread when they are diagnosed
and hence they are not referred as metastatic cancer.

The spread of the
cancer depends on the following factors: The type of cancerThe grade of the primary cancerThe location and size of the primary cancerThe time duration of the primary cancer in the
bodyIf cancer treatments were used and how well they
have worked

In most of the
scenarios metastatic cancer might develops after many years the primary cancer
is first diagnosed. There are certain cases where the cancer has already
metastasized when it’s diagnosed.

How cancer spread?

When cancer cells
grow and start to divide, they have the tendency to move from their initial
position to the other areas of the body. There are majorly 3 ways in which the
cancer is spread to other parts of the body:

Direct Extension, or invasion- direct
extension or invasion means that the primary tumor grows into tissues or
structures around it. e.g., In case of prostate cancer, this cancer grows into
the bladder.

Lymphatic system spread:
under this system the cancer cells will break away from the primary tumor and
thus will travel to another part of the body through the lymphatic system. The
lymphatic system consists of group of tissues and organs that make and store
cells which are helpful in fighting infection and diseases. Eg. Breast cancer
going to axillary lymph nodes.

Bloodstream, or hematogenous:
under hematogenous spread the cancer cells break away from the primary tumor
and thus enters the bloodstream travelling to a new place in the body.

In general the immune
system attacks and destroys the cancer cells which travels through the
bloodstream but in various scenarios when the cancer cells manages to survive
and settle down in another area of the body, where they develops a new tumor.
To survive while growing at the new location in the body, the tumor must form
its own blood supply known as angiogenesis.

Where cancer
spreads?

Cancer holds the
tendency of spreading to other parts of the body, such as breast cancer and
prostate cancer spread to the bones most often; whereas colorectal cancer
majorly spreads to the liver. Testicular cancer usually spread to the lungs
while the ovarian cancer generally spreads to the peritoneum.

Mentioned below are
certain terms which doctors may use to describe if the cancer has spread or not
and if yes then how far it has spread:

Localized: the term localized
means that the cancer has not spread to any other part of the body, it is still
in the area from where it has started.

Regional: under this
condition the cancer cells have spread to the nearby lymph nodes and into the
surrounding tissues or organs.

Distant: this term means
that cancer is in a part of the body farther from where it was started.

How metastatic
cancer is treated?

Usually metastatic
cancer is more difficult to treat than the cancer which hasn’t spread. In most
of the cases, the main aim of treatment for metastatic cancer is to continue
the survival while maintaining the quality of the life. Treatment slows down
the growth of metastases, but the metastases usually don’t go away completely.The treatment
provided for metastatic cancer are based on various factors such as the
location of the cancer, symptoms, amount of metastases, the treatment which is
used for the original cancer, the treatment goal, age, the overall health,
other medical conditions and personal preferences.

Audiology & Speech Therapy

We have well equipped Audiology and Speech Therapy Units, professionally qualified Audiologist and Speech-Therapists to conduct various tests for diagnosis of speech and hearing problems in children and adults. Using multiple range of tests, the Audiology and Speech-Therapist diagnoses degree and type of hearing loss of patient and plan out the needful rehabilitation.

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Metro Dental And Implant Centre has delivered millions of smiles over the years. The centre offers state-of-the-art dental services both through general out-patient and private OPD.

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The centre provides a holistic, scientific and a technologically advanced approach for all dermatological and cosmetic conditions. Consultations with our experienced dermatologists ensure that the patients get the best advice, be it for skin diseases or cosmetic interventions. Our specialized services include- Pimples / Acne – Pigmentation Treatment, Cosmetic Peels, Non-surgical removal of warts, Laser treatment, as more.

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Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes is a full-fledged facility involved in evaluating and treating patients for diabetes, Obesity, Sexual disorders, Hirsutism, PCOD, Osteoporosis, Adrenal disorders, other endocrine disorders. We offer a wide range of treatment options for endocrine and metabolic diseases. Our specialists are the most experienced one having a long track record of successful treatment of the patients.

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We provide the complete diagnostic and treatment of disease and conditions associated with the ear, nose and throat. We are well experienced in treating everything from a basic disease to doing a complicated surgery involving Otolaryngologists, Audiologists, Speech-language pathologists and other medical professionals. Services include Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Micro-Surgery of Ear, Cochlear Implant, Rhinoplasty, Head & Neck Surgeries, and more.

Gastroenterology & Gastro Surgery

Metro Centre for Liver & Digestive Diseases (Gastroenterology & GI Surgery) has combined medical and surgical department. The team of doctors has received super speciality training in their respective field which ensures high quality of care. The combined setup of Gastroenterology and GI Surgery allows quick assessment and treatment of the patient. Our surgical services include the performance of specialized and complex GI surgical procedures for the management of diseases of various parts of the GI tract.

Holistic Medicine

The department aims at healing the person completely - body, mind, spirit, and emotions aimed at optimal health and wellness. This is achieved with the help of specialists and by gaining proper balance in life. Our specialists use all forms of healthcare ranging from conventional medication to alternative therapies, to treat a patient. Our doctors use the combinations of drugs and lifestyle modifications to address any condition.

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We bring you the convenience of getting quality homeopathic treatment for all your chronic and long standing illnesses. We are committed to provide you the best of the information and constitutional homeopathic treatment. Diseases Treated by Homoeopathy are Infectious Diseases, Viral Diseases, Diseases of Infancy and Childhood & Allergic Disorder.

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The Department of Internal Medicine is a full-fledged facility offering comprehensive care for general and preventive medicine for all ages. The Department has the support and back-up of all super-specialities in the hospital providing end to end services varying from diagnosis, prevention, treatment, wellness, preventive health checks, rehabilitation services and management of various medical conditions.

Interventional Radiology

A sub-speciality of Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology, providing minimally invasive treatments performed under guidance of x-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT Scan). In simple terms interventional radiologists “Not Just Diagnose But Treat too” with minimal invasive techniques. The advanced technology in Radiology provides a strong platform for efficient Interventional Radiological Procedures.

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Metro Centre for IVF is at the forefront of delivering quality services in the field of Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF-IUI, ICSI, Surrogacy, etc.

Laboratory

A highly skilled team of medical professionals including physicians, medical technologists, medical technicians, lab assistants, biologists, chemist, microbiologists, geneticists, and other specialists work collaboratively to provide advanced diagnosis and laboratory services. Fully automated Robotic Arm, State-of-the-art BacT / Alert 3D Microbial Detection System etc. are among our top of the line technologies available.

Laparoscopic & General Surgery

Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute is well equipped with latest technological advancements in general and laparoscopic surgery and the centre is boasted to an advanced centre for general and laparoscopic surgeries.

Nephrology & Renal Transplant

Our department of nephrology and renal transplant is a well equipped unit with a dedicated team of skilled consultants and paramedical staff which offers patient the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach. Our center deals in treating children and adolescents with congenital and acquired kidney diseases. We accept patients at any stage of kidney disease. The services include Medical Management of Kidney Diseases, Dialysis and Renal Transplant.

Neurosciences

The Department of Neurosciences has extremely talented and very well trained doctors who collaboratively work towards creating new paradigms for knowing the human brain condition and caring for it. Facilities include NCV, EMG, EEG, Video EEG, Botox Therapy for migraine and movement disorders (dystonia), Dedicated Stroke ICU, Neuro Rehabilitation Advanced facilities for Surgical Neurology.

Nutrition & Health

A balanced diet provides complete balanced nutrition which is essential for a healthy life, enhancing the immunity of the person. The department consisting of expert dieticians provides Diet counseling according to the diagnosis of the patients, Diet counseling for different types of diseases like Diabetes, Liver diseases, Renal diseases, Diet related to pregnancy and lactation, Cardiac diseases, Weight management and many more.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Metro Centre For Obstetrics And Gynaecology is determined to unite their exceptional medical competence, advanced technology and novelty to offer the best treatments to the patients. Our broad spectrum of services include painless deliveries, management of high risk pregnancies/late pregnancies, gynae laparoscopic procedures, gynae onco services, pre and post natal care, amongst others.

Oncology & Onco Surgery

We strive to create the best in class infrastructure, comprehensive facilities and render care and support by handholding every cancer patient in their journey. The management plan for each cancer is chalked out once the cancer is identified and staged. Treatment plan may include surgery, radiation and/or cancer medicine therapy. The team of Oncology Comprises of expert Medical Oncologists, Surgeons and Radiation Oncologists.

Ophthalmology, Metro Eye Centre

The team of highly experienced Ophthalmologists in a modern set-up perform various services like Phacoemulsification (Sutureless Cataract Surgery), YAG laser (for after cataract and glaucoma), Green laser (for diabetic and retinal eye diseases), Automated Perimetry, (For Glaucoma and Neurological visual Field), Applanation Tonometry for Glaucoma, Glaucoma surgery, Squint Surgery, etc. The results of all procedures match the international standards.

Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement & Spine Surgery

Metro Centre for Orthopaedics and Joint Replacements offers a wide range of treatment and comprehensive care for all kinds of musculo-skeletal conditions such as joint pain, spine pain, trauma, sports and other injuries. The Centre is well recognized for joint replacement surgeries of hip, knee and shoulder. The department is led by highly trained Orthopaedicians along with wide array of advanced technology. The Centre is specialized in providing services such as minimally invasive surgery, joint replacements, Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.

Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery

The department has highly experienced specialists in cosmetic and plastic surgery, state-of -the-art infrastructure ensuring world class medical attention and care. It is an acknowledgement center of excellence providing advanced and intricate treatment. The center also offers the world superior quality cosmetic treatment at costs that are highly affordable, with results comparable to those at the best centers across the globe.

Psychiatry

With the mission of spreading mental health awareness, we provide a variety of services ranging from awareness programmes to rehabilitations. The services provided are Pharmacotherapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Narcoanalysis, Biofeedback, Detoxification and Rehabilitation Programmes, Deaddiction Counseling, Stress Management, Couples/ Marital Counseling and many more.

Psychology

We have a long experience in addressing the mental health conditions. Our experienced psychologists analyze the reasons behavioral disorder, emotional problem or psychiatric disease, and suggest and implement a valid solution to the problems customized to individual needs. The privacy of the patient is taken seriously during the total course of treatment.

Rheumatology

Immensely qualified team of experts is always available to accord the diseases of musculoskeletal system. The service include the treatment of various auto immune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, Ankylosing spondylosis, gout and other immunological diseases, New Biological Treatments. We do have 24*7 physiotherapy department which deal with musculoskeletal problems with special emphasis on the correction of joint deformity.

Stem Cell Therapy

coming soon

Urology

The Centre for Uro-Sciences boasts of experienced and renowned Urologists having thorough exposure to all urological disorders including complicated conditions. It is has good track record for high success rates. The treatment includes Laser prostatic surgery, Urologic Cancer Surgeries, Laparoscopic Urological Surgeries, Percutaneous Renal Surgery, Urethral Reconstructive Surgery, etc. and the facilities include ESWL (Extra corporeal shock wave Lithotripsy), Uroflowmetry, Uro Radio diagnosis, etc.